What does OP (Original Poster) mean?
The person who created the original post or started an online discussion; sometimes the opening post itself.
Also written: original poster · original post · the OP · thread starter
The meaning
In forums and comment threads, OP usually means “original poster”: the person who created the post or began the discussion. Depending on the sentence, it can also refer to the original post itself.
What’s the tone?
Neutral and practical. It is common forum shorthand, but the meaning depends on context and may be unfamiliar outside online discussions.
When and how to use it
Use OP to refer back to the thread starter without repeating their username, as in “OP clarified the question.” In phrases such as “read the OP,” it usually means the opening post rather than its author.
In a conversation
Original examples to illustrate the expression.
OP added a screenshot in the comments, so the question makes more sense now.
Read the OP before replying—the answer is already in the last paragraph.
Easy to misread
In gaming and some fandoms, OP often means “overpowered,” and in anime it can refer to an opening theme. Use surrounding words to tell whether OP means the author, the post, or one of these unrelated senses.
A little context
OP has long been used in message boards and comment threads as a compact label for the discussion’s starting author or message. Established references agree on this forum meaning, while also documenting unrelated meanings in gaming, anime, music, and other fields.
Sources & further reading
These sources support the explanation. The dialogue above is original.
- OP Definition & MeaningDictionary.com · Checked Oct 23, 2026
Explains that forum and message-board users employ OP for the original poster who started a thread, while noting the separate overpowered sense.
- The ultimate internet glossary: from 4chan to ZyngaThe Guardian · Checked Oct 23, 2026
Defines OP in its internet glossary as the first post in a discussion thread or the person who posted it, supporting both common referents.
Prepared with AI assistance and automated quality checks. Meanings can vary by context. Read our editorial policy.